Wegovy shows CV benefits among SELECT participants regardless of sex

A Breakthrough in Cardiovascular Health for Those with Obesity and Atherosclerotic CVD

In a groundbreaking study, the medication Wegovy, also known as semaglutide, has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among participants with obesity and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) who do not have diabetes. This finding, from the SELECT trial, marks a major milestone in the treatment of cardiovascular disease and offers new hope for millions of Americans.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, a type of medication that helps with weight loss by reducing appetite and promoting feelings of fullness. It is administered via weekly subcutaneous injections. Unlike other medications in the same class, which are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, Wegovy has been approved for the treatment of obesity and CVD without diabetes.

The SELECT Trial: A Comprehensive Study

The SELECT trial was conducted across 804 sites in 41 countries, involving a total of 17,604 participants aged 45 and older. To be eligible, participants had to have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 27 kg/m² and a history of CVD, such as heart attacks or strokes, but no history of diabetes. The trial's primary goal was to evaluate the efficacy of semaglutide in reducing the risk of MACE, which includes cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (heart attack), and nonfatal stroke.

Key Findings

The results of the SELECT trial are nothing short of remarkable. The study found that participants who received the highest dose of semaglutide (2.4 mg) experienced a statistically significant 20% reduction in MACE compared to those who received a placebo. This reduction translates to thousands of people avoiding life-threatening cardiovascular events each year.

Moreover, the trial revealed some intriguing sex-specific data. Despite both men and women showing significant reductions in MACE, women with obesity and atherosclerotic CVD without diabetes experienced fewer cardiovascular events compared to their male counterparts. This discrepancy highlights the importance of personalized medicine and emphasizes the need for further research into the gender-specific benefits of semaglutide.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Semaglutide has been proven to be effective in reducing several specific cardiovascular risks:

• Heart Attacks: Participants taking semaglutide experienced a 28% reduction in heart attacks, which is particularly significant for those already on heart medications like statins to reduce cholesterol.
• Non-fatal Strokes: There was a 7% decrease in non-fatal strokes among those receiving semaglutide.
• Cardiovascular Deaths: A 15% drop in cardiovascular-related deaths was observed, indicating a substantial reduction in mortality risk.

Impact on Public Health

The implications of these findings are profound. With over 6.6 million Americans fit to benefit from Wegovy, according to a Yale Medicine study, this medication could significantly alter how we manage and treat cardiovascular disease. The FDA's approval of Wegovy is expected to make a substantial impact on public health, particularly given that many of those eligible do not have diabetes but still face a high risk of cardiovascular events.

Challenges and Limitations

While the results are promising, there are challenges and limitations to consider. The trial population was disproportionately non-Hispanic white men, which limits the generalizability of the findings for women and minority populations. This underscores the need for more diverse trial populations to ensure that all patients receive equal benefit from this medication.

Future Directions

The success of the SELECT trial has set the stage for future research into GLP-1 receptor agonists. As more data becomes available, healthcare providers will have a clearer understanding of how these medications can be tailored to individual needs, potentially leading to even more effective treatments.

Conclusion

Wegovy's demonstrated ability to reduce cardiovascular risks among participants with obesity and atherosclerotic CVD without diabetes marks a significant advancement in medical science. As we move forward, it is crucial to address the limitations of the current trial by incorporating more diverse populations into future studies. With continued research and development, we may see even more effective treatments emerge, improving the lives of millions worldwide.

References

1. SELECT: Semaglutide Reduces Risk of MACE in Adults With Overweight or Obesity
2. Semaglutide for cardiovascular event reduction in people without diabetes
3. Detailed trial data confirm Wegovy heart benefit
4. Why Your Cardiologist May Prescribe Semaglutide (Wegovy)
5. Full SELECT Results Affirm CV Risk Reduction With Semaglutide in Nondiabetics